1
2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
  • The 16-track project finds Soulja experimenting with fresh sounds — from that West Coast bass to more energetic beats — all while staying true to the essence that built his legacy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For however long Warner is out, the 49ers will lose not only a Defensive Player of the Year candidate but also the most vocal and most energetic player in the locker room.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The model was a vision on the runway in a fiery red lingerie set, complete with a long train.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Stanley, Simmons and Criss were dismayed by his appearance but sufficiently impressed with his fiery lead guitar work, and he was invited to join a few weeks later.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The animated pic also included an LGBTQ relationship between Buzz’s best friend and commander, Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba), and her wife, Kiko, with glimpses of their life as a couple and an onscreen kiss.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The animated session felt less like a demonstration and more like a homecoming.
    Essence, Essence, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tranter mounted a spirited defense of the Time Lord when confronted with Shearman’s quote.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The film, which is a sequel to the classic 1990 Christmas movie, follows the young and spirited Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who mistakenly gets on a plane headed for New York City while the rest of the family flies to Florida.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Missoula, Livingston and Bozeman have lively literary scenes.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ben Savage as Cory Matthews As the titular boy in Boy Meets World, Savage played the spunky, baseball-loving Cory, a well-meaning kid who sometimes found himself in sticky situations.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • These are basically all new roles or twists on old types, taking advantage of Poehler’s skill at embodying strong, often spunky personalities.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In his work, everything is animate, everything has a soul, everything has a story.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In his account of an Essex owl evening, all senses seem to merge, and all distinction between animate and inanimate disappears.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By platforming industry experts and passionate entrepreneurs, Ducard is helping Pinterest expand into new arenas.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Boosting Confidence in Feeding Choices As someone who loves being a mom, Cardi B is equally passionate about advocating for other mothers, especially those who are new to the gig.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!